The Blue Shutters Beach shoreline was lined with
community supporters as Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team released three
young harbor seals off the coast of Rhode Island.
The three seals – Poe, Twain and Rumi – were each
initially rescued by Marine Mammals of Maine from different locations
throughout the state.
Poe, a female, and Twain, a male, were each
considered to have been abandoned shortly after birth while Rumi, a female, was
found in thin body condition and with a facial wound. Each seal was transferred
to Mystic Aquarium’s on-site Animal Rescue Clinic in June to receive dedicated
medical care.
For Poe and Twain, this involved around-the-clock
care standard to abandonment cases; Rumi received routine care to increase her
weight and also required treatment for her wound.
Following roughly three months of care at the
clinic, each seal has recovered well and learned to hunt and eat fish
independently; deeming each prepared for life at sea.
While the three harbor seals spent much time
together in rehab and were ultimately released together, each will live a
relatively solitary life – a normal behavior for the species – once settled.
About Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program supports animals in need and educates the public about the marine environment and its inhabitants. The public is encouraged to call the Aquarium’s 24-hour hotline at 860.572.5955 ext. 107 if they encounter a marine mammal or sea turtle in CT, RI or Fishers Island, NY.
Mystic Aquarium is a founding member of the Northeast Region Stranding Network. This network is comprised of organizations along the eastern sea coast which have facilities and trained staff to care for sick and injured animals. Marine mammals are protected species, so only groups and facilities authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service are permitted to handle these animals.